What To See & Do
Things to Do on San Juan Island
Explore Friday Harbor Shops on Your Getaway
Friday Harbor is a central hub for visitors for many things to do on San Juan Island, and its shopping scene reflects the character of this coastal destination. Located in downtown Friday Harbor, the area offers a walkable collection of boutiques, galleries, and specialty stores, all within close proximity to the waterfront and San Juan Island ferry terminal. Exploring Friday Harbor shops is an enjoyable way to spend part of your weekend, whether you are browsing for locally made goods or searching for a special keepsake from your trip.
Friday Harbor shopping stands out for its variety. Locally owned shops feature coastal-inspired home décor, clothing, books, and specialty foods. Shops such as Be Chic Boutique offer modern apparel and accessories, while Griffin Bay Bookstore combines a curated book selection with a café experience. Families often stop by The Toy Box for creative toys and games, and those interested in home accents can explore Pebble for thoughtfully selected goods. Art-focused stops like Printshop Northwest highlight regional craftsmanship, while Island Collective and Deer Hazel showcase products from local makers.
Stay Near Friday Harbor Shops
Choosing the right Friday Harbor Hotels makes it easy for you to explore downtown Friday Harbor. Tucker House Inn and Harrison House Suites provide convenient access to the area’s shops, dining, and waterfront attractions. Located within walking distance of Friday Harbor shops, these lodging options make it easy for you to revisit favorite stores or discover new ones throughout your stay.
Guests can select from a range of accommodations, including guest rooms, suites, and private cottages suited for couples, families, and pet-friendly travel. Amenities such as breakfast delivered to your room and concierge services simplify planning and add comfort to your San Juan Island getaway. After a day spent exploring Friday Harbor shops, returning to a well-appointed space near downtown allows for a relaxed evening and easy access to nearby dining options.
Things to Do on the Oregon Coast This Summer
Oregon Coast Music Festival: A Unique Summer Trip
The Oregon Coast Music Festival brings a distinctive rhythm to the southern coast each summer, combining live performance with the natural setting of Coos Bay, North Bend, Bandon, and Charleston. For travelers planning a unique coast getaway, this long-running event offers more than a typical concert experience. It creates an immersive way to explore Oregon festivals while enjoying one of the most scenic regions in the Pacific Northwest.
Held each July, the Oregon Coast Music Festival features a two-week schedule of classical, jazz, and contemporary performances. Events take place in a variety of venues, from formal auditoriums to intimate coastal settings. Visitors can attend orchestral programs, smaller ensemble concerts, and free preview seminars that introduce performers and repertoire. This range of programming makes it easy to build a flexible itinerary that blends music with time outdoors.
Bandon stands out for travelers searching for things to do on the Oregon Coast. Southern Oregon Beaches offer wide stretches of sand, sea stacks, and tide pools, while Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint provides one of the most recognizable coastal views in Oregon. Old Town Bandon adds a walkable district with local galleries, seafood restaurants, and independent shops. Whether you are traveling as a couple or with family, the area supports both relaxed exploration and activity-based days.
Bandon Oregon Hotels Near the Festival
Choosing the right place to stay is essential during the busy summer season. Many visitors look for Bandon Oregon hotels that provide both proximity to festival venues and access to the coast. A well-located hotel allows you to move easily between concerts, local attractions, and downtime by the ocean.
Guests can begin the day with a complimentary breakfast before heading to scheduled performances, then return for a quieter evening to enjoy private beach access, indoor amenities like a pool, and comfortable guest rooms. With high demand during July, reserving early ensures availability and allows you to fully experience the Oregon Coast Music Festival without last-minute planning concerns.
Thousands of Monarchs Pass Through Granbury Each Fall
Monarch Butterfly Festival
Every fall, a small Hood County garden becomes a rest stop for one of nature’s great travelers. The Monarch Butterfly Festival in Granbury, known locally as Romancing the Monarch, draws visitors who want to watch thousands of orange and black butterflies pause on their way south to Mexico. It has become one of the more anticipated fall dates on the Granbury calendar.
If you are planning a getaway around the festival, you are also likely looking for other things to do in Granbury, TX to round out the weekend. That is easy here. The historic square sits within walking distance of the garden, meaning you can take in a lot of the small town charm without needing to get in the car.
What to Expect at the Monarch Butterfly Festival
The festival takes place at the Lake Granbury Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden on West Pearl Street, typically on the first Saturday of October in the early afternoon. General admission is free. Inside the garden, volunteers plant only the host and nectar species monarchs rely on, and guests can learn to tell a monarch from a look-alike, watch volunteers net and tag butterflies for Monarch Watch, and, for a small fee, take part in a live butterfly release. Arrive close to opening if you want the shortest line for the release and the best light for photos, since the garden is lovely but not large.
Granbury’s Spot on the Monarch Butterfly Migration Route
Granbury sits directly on the monarch butterfly migration route between Canada and central Mexico, which is why the town has become a dependable stopover each fall. Local gardeners and civic leaders have spent years planting milkweed and pollinator habitat across Hood County and partnering with Monarch Watch to track the monarch butterfly migration in Texas in real time. The festival is the public celebration of that quieter, year-round conservation work, not a one-off event.
More Fall Festivals to Round Out Your Trip
October keeps going after the last butterfly is released. Granbury Oktoberfest fills the historic square the first weekend of the month with food, music, and a biergarten atmosphere. A few weeks later, the Harvest Moon Festival of the Arts brings juried artists, a Texas wine stroll, and live music back to the square.
Your Home Base for a Fall Festival Getaway in Granbury, TX
A festival like this deserves a comfortable landing spot, and Inn on Lake Granbury puts you close enough to walk into the action downtown while still giving you a lakefront retreat to return to each evening. Their rooms, suites, and private guest house sit on three acres along the water, with an award-winning gourmet breakfast each morning and chef’s choice appetizers and wine delivered to your room each evening. Our Bed and Breakfast in Granbury, TX makes it simple to spend your day chasing butterflies and your evening unwinding by the saltwater pool. Check availability and reserve your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Monarch Butterfly Festival in Granbury, TX?
The festival is held on the first Saturday of October in the early afternoon at the Lake Granbury Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden.
Is the Monarch Butterfly Festival free to attend?
General admission is free. A small registration fee applies if you want to take part in the live butterfly release.
What is the monarch butterfly migration route through Texas?
Monarchs pass through Texas as part of their broader migration route between Canada and central Mexico, and Granbury sits directly along that corridor, which is part of why the town has become a fall gathering point for the species.
What other fall festivals happen in Granbury around the same time?
Granbury’s Oktoberfest and the Harvest Moon Festival of the Arts both take place on the historic square in October, making it easy to combine multiple events into one visit.
Where should I stay for a fall festival getaway in Granbury?
A lakefront property within walking distance of downtown, such as our Bed and Breakfast in Granbury TX lets you enjoy the festival and the square without needing a car for the weekend.
Try One of These Day Trips Near Mystic, Connecticut
The Best Things to Do Near Mystic CT for Easy Day Trips
Mystic is a smart home base for exploring southeastern Connecticut and nearby Rhode Island, especially if you want a mix of maritime history, walkable downtown energy, and day trips that do not require a long drive. There are a lot of great towns, attractions, and other things to do near Mystic, CT!
Between the drawbridge, Mystic Seaport Museum, and Mystic Aquarium, you can easily fill your mornings close to town. There are more than enough things to do in Mystic, CT. When you’re looking for more, though, branch out to some of the region’s most interesting coastal and riverfront destinations.
One of the best things to do near Mystic CT is heading to nearby Stonington Borough, a compact historic district with a waterfront you can explore on foot. Its harbor views and preserved streetscape make it a simple add-on to a Mystic itinerary, particularly if you want time for a slow walk, a few local shops, and a meal with water views.
For a classic shoreline change of pace, head east to Watch Hill, Rhode Island, where beaches, ocean scenery, and a lighthouse define the experience. If you prefer a larger destination with more to see in one day, then one of the best things to do near Mystic is drive along the coast to Newport, Rhode Island. Newport brings mansion tours, harbor energy, and the Cliff Walk, all within reasonable reach for a full-day outing.
For something distinctively Connecticut, you’ll find that one of the best things to do near Mystic is to explore Gillette Castle State Park. This unique attraction pairs an unusual historic home with elevated views above the Connecticut River, plus trails that make the stop feel active without being strenuous. Nearby, the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat offers a vintage rail journey followed by a river cruise, which is ideal if you want structured, easy sightseeing. Continue toward the coast to spend time in Old Saybrook, where you can combine shops and shoreline views, including an elevated boardwalk through coastal marshland and perspectives toward the Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse.
Where to Stay For Your Downtown Mystic Getaways
When you want to keep logistics simple, staying in the center of town makes every plan easier. The Whalers Inn is an upscale boutique hotel in downtown Mystic, close to the waterfront and the village’s core sights, which helps you balance in-town exploring with day trips around the region. If your goal is to cover more than one destination without constant backtracking, it is a convenient base for a well-rounded Connecticut itinerary. Book your stay directly and keep your schedule focused on exploring, not driving.
Ultimate List of the Best Things to Do in Juneau, AK
Best Things to Do in Juneau for a Unique Alaska Trip
Juneau delivers a rare blend of rugged wilderness, rich culture, and easy access to unforgettable experiences, making it one of the most rewarding destinations in Alaska. Whether you arrive through the Juneau cruise port or by air, the variety of things to do in Juneau, AK, ensures every visit feels personal, immersive, and memorable.
Glacier viewing tops the list for many travelers, and Mendenhall Glacier offers an incredible introduction to Alaska’s expansive wilderness. Just minutes from downtown Juneau, the glacier features walking trails, waterfalls, and frequent wildlife sightings. Whale watching is another unforgettable experience. Juneau is one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales, with guided tours often spotting orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles along the way.
For sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and waterways, the Mount Roberts Tramway provides a dramatic perspective just above the city. At the summit, visitors can explore alpine trails, learn about local ecology, or just enjoy the scenery. Flightseeing tours take the experience even further, offering aerial views of glaciers, icefields, and remote wilderness that showcase Alaska’s scale like nothing else.
Downtown Juneau adds depth to the adventure. Local galleries, museums, and restaurants line walkable streets, making it easy to enjoy the city between excursions. Sampling fresh seafood, browsing local shops, and learning about Alaska’s history all contribute to a well-rounded itinerary. Cultural stops like the Alaska State Museum offer insight into Native heritage and the state’s journey to becoming part of the United States.
Stay at One of the Top Boutique Hotels in Juneau, Alaska
After full days of exploration in The Last Frontier, returning to a comfortable place to stay enhances the experience. Alaska’s Capital Inn is one of the only boutique hotels in Juneau, Alaska, offering historic charm and thoughtful hospitality. Located in a restored downtown mansion, the inn places guests close to the best things to do in Alaska while providing a welcoming retreat.
With personalized service, comfortable and homey guest rooms, and a generous and hearty breakfast to start the day, reserve your ideal home base for discovering everything Juneau has to offer. As one of the top-rated boutique hotels in Juneau, AK, you’ll see why our guests return time and again.
Unique Events: The Exeter UFO Festival!
Best Exeter UFO Festival Guide for a Unique Weekend
Every Labor Day weekend, downtown Exeter becomes the center of one of New England’s most unusual and entertaining events, the Exeter UFO Festival. Drawing visitors from across the country, the festival combines history, mystery, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities into a memorable, unique getaway in southern New Hampshire. Whether you are a longtime UFO enthusiast or simply looking for new things to do in Exeter, the festival offers an experience unlike any other.
The Exeter UFO Festival commemorates the famous 1965 “Incident at Exeter,” one of the most well-known UFO sightings in American history. What began as a local report involving teenager Norman Muscarello and Exeter police officers soon gained national attention and remains a topic of fascination today. The festival celebrates this event with expert speakers, podcasters, historical presentations, and guided trolley tours that explore the area connected to the original sighting.
Throughout the weekend, downtown Exeter comes alive with themed activities and entertainment. Visitors can browse festival vendors, shop for souvenirs, enjoy alien-inspired food and drinks, and participate in popular events such as the Alien Costume Contest, Alien Pet Contest, and Saturday parade. Families will find plenty to enjoy as well, including crafts, games, face painting, refreshments, and a free dance party.
In addition to the festival, Exeter offers plenty of opportunities to extend your stay. Spend time exploring locally owned shops, art galleries, restaurants, and scenic walking paths along the Exeter River. History lovers can discover the town’s rich heritage through downtown walking tours, while visitors looking for local flavor can visit nearby breweries and dining destinations. There are always plenty of things to do in Exeter, NH.
Stay in Luxury at Inn By The Bandstand
Located in the heart of downtown Exeter, Inn By The Bandstand is the most luxurious of Exeter Hotels, and provides the ideal home base for festival weekend. Guests enjoy easy walking access to festival activities while returning each evening to refined accommodations that blend historic New England character with modern comforts. Thoughtfully appointed guestrooms feature luxurious bedding, elegant furnishings, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Start your day with an elevated à la carte breakfast featuring fresh-squeezed juices, handcrafted coffees, omelets, house-made granola, smoked salmon toast, and French toast. Guests can also enjoy an exceptional dining experience at Ambrose Restaurant, located on-site and known for its contemporary shared plates, craft cocktails, and locally inspired cuisine. Accommodations fill quickly during the Exeter UFO Festival, making early reservations highly recommended for this popular NH event in Exeter.
Unique Things to Do in Albuquerque
Best Flamenco in Albuquerque for a Unique Southwest Escape
Albuquerque is home to one of the most remarkable cultural experiences in the United States. While visitors often arrive for the city’s historic Old Town, New Mexican cuisine, museums, and outdoor adventures, many are surprised to discover that flamenco in Albuquerque has earned international recognition. With dedicated performance venues, educational institutions, and one of the world’s premier flamenco festivals, Albuquerque has become the center of flamenco culture outside Spain.
Flamenco is more than a performance. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the art form combines dance, music, and song into a powerful expression of emotion and storytelling. Every performance brings together baile, cante, and guitar in a dynamic exchange that creates a unique experience each time the curtain rises.
Visitors interested in experiencing authentic Flamenco in Albuquerque should begin with Tablao Flamenco. This acclaimed flamenco dinner show offers an intimate setting where audiences can experience the artistry up close. Friday and Saturday evenings feature a four-course prix fixe dinner, followed by performances by renowned artists from both Spain and the United States. Sunday matinee performances provide another opportunity to enjoy world-class flamenco in a welcoming atmosphere.
Albuquerque’s flamenco community offers numerous opportunities to learn about the art form. The National Institute of Flamenco serves as the country’s leading flamenco organization and is home to Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company. Casa Flamenca hosts performances, workshops, and guest artists throughout the year, while Flamenco Works provides classes for students of all experience levels.
Another highlight is Festival Flamenco Albuquerque, the largest and oldest flamenco festival outside Spain. The annual event brings together internationally recognized performers, educational workshops, and cultural programming that attracts visitors from around the world.
Stay at an Old Town Bed and Breakfast Near Albuquerque’s Top Attractions
For visitors exploring Flamenco in Albuquerque, location matters. The Bottger Mansion of Old Town places guests within easy reach of the city’s leading cultural attractions, including the National Institute of Flamenco, Old Town Albuquerque, museums, galleries, and local restaurants. Built in 1912 and thoughtfully restored, the property combines historic character with modern comforts, personalized hospitality, and gourmet breakfasts that help guests start each day refreshed.
Whether you are planning your trip around a flamenco dinner show, attending Festival Flamenco Albuquerque, or searching for unique things to do in Albuquerque, this vibrant cultural tradition offers an unforgettable reason to visit. Pair your experience with a stay at an Old Town Bed and Breakfast and discover why Albuquerque continues to captivate travelers year after year.
Unique Things to Do in Montana: A Local’s Guide
The most unique things to do in Montana are in places where tourists rarely venture. Beyond the established parks and ski resorts, the state harbors a cultural getaway unlike anywhere else: hand-cast Buddha statues rising from a Jocko Valley meadow, Renaissance murals hidden inside a century-old mission, preserved mining towns locked in time, and geothermal pools fed by the same springs Lewis and Clark visited in 1805. These are the unique things to do in Montana that transform a weekend into a story worth retelling.
The best part: they’re all accessible from Missoula, making a Montana Bed and Breakfast here your ideal base for exploring this corner of western Montana.
The Most Unique Things to Do in Montana
Garden of 1000 Buddhas, Arlee
The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas sits north of Arlee on the Flathead Indian Reservation, a contemplative Tibetan Buddhist sanctuary in the heart of working ranch country. The garden holds 1,000 hand-cast Buddha statues surrounding a 24-foot figure of Yum Chenmo, the Great Mother of Transcendent Wisdom, arranged in a sacred eight-spoked Dharma wheel design. Another 1,000 stupas line the outer ring, each housing an image of Tara. This peaceful setting draws visitors seeking cultural immersion and spiritual reflection—one of the most unique things to do in Montana for those seeking depth over scale. Admission is free; parking is at 34756 White Coyote Road. Guided tours run April through October.
St. Ignatius Mission: 58 Murals, One Remarkable Story
The present St. Ignatius Mission church dates to 1891, but the real discovery awaits inside. In 1904 and 1905, Brother Joseph Carignano, a Jesuit priest with no formal art training, painted 58 elaborate murals covering every wall and ceiling while working as the mission cook and handyman. The work is unprecedented: a complete Renaissance-style interior completed by an untrained hand in just fourteen months. Today, the mission operates as a National Historic Site and includes the original 1854 log church, a museum, and the Providence Sisters’ residence. This is one of the most unique things to do in Montana for anyone drawn to unexpected artistry and overlooked history.
Garnet Ghost Town: 30 Buildings Frozen in Time
Gold brought settlers to Garnet in the 1890s. When the boom faded, the buildings stayed. Today, roughly 30 historic structures sit preserved in the Garnet Range, accessible by car May through September or by snowshoe and cross-country ski in winter. The visitor center charges a small admission fee for ages 16 and up. Winter transforms the experience completely—access becomes an expedition—making Garnet one of Montana’s most memorable hidden gems and one of the best things to do in Montana for those willing to chase seasonality.
Lolo and Quinn’s Hot Springs
Hot springs near Missoula offer two distinct experiences. Lolo Hot Springs, visited by Lewis and Clark on September 13, 1805, features a 103–106 degree indoor pool and a cooler outdoor option. Access is first-come, first-served; no reservations. Quinn’s Hot Springs, farther northwest, operates five natural flow-through pools ranging from 100 to 106 degrees, plus a 55-degree plunge pool. Quinn’s requires advance online booking for four-hour day-use sessions. Both sit within the Lolo National Forest, making them ideal warm-water breaks during day trips from Missoula.
Your Montana Bed and Breakfast Home Base
A unique getaway demands a retreat that matches its sophistication. Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast, perched on twenty acres of mountainside wildlife habitat immediately adjacent to the National Forest, positions you five minutes from Missoula’s restaurants and cultural centers while immersing you in pristine Montana landscape.
The five private rooms each feature a private bath with a jetted tub and views of gardens, forests, mountains, or the Bitterroot River Valley. Mornings anchor each day: guests enjoy breakfast on the garden deck—Swedish pancakes, huckleberry Dutch babies, or other house specialties—before heading out to explore. After twenty years welcoming return guests, we’ve mastered the art of helping visitors discover the unique things to do in Montana that matter most.
Book your getaway at Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast and make this corner of western Montana your home base for genuine discovery.
Unique Things to Do in Nashville for Couples
Best Things to Do in Nashville for a Romantic Getaway
Planning a trip centered around the best things to do in Nashville opens the door to a city that blends culture, entertainment, and local character. While downtown Nashville is widely known for its music scene, couples will find a broader range of experiences that create a more distinctive and memorable visit. From curated tours to hands-on activities, the city offers opportunities to explore more than just the popular attractions.
Exploring Nashville’s culinary scene is one of the most popular starting points. The city features a wide range of dining options, from refined Michelin star restaurants to casual food trucks, allowing couples to build an itinerary around shared meals and new flavors. Pair dinner with a visit to local breweries, wineries, or cocktail-focused speakeasies to experience Nashville’s nightlife beyond the main corridors.
Live music remains central to the experience, and strolling through downtown Nashville introduces you to venues filled with emerging and established artists. Broadway’s well-known strip offers energy and variety, while smaller listening rooms provide a more intimate setting. For those interested in the history behind the sound, stops like the Country Music Hall of Fame, RCA Studio B, and the National Museum of African American Music offer meaningful context.
Beyond music, there are many things to see in Nashville that reflect the region’s history and design. Cheekwood Estate & Gardens and Belle Meade Plantation provide insight into Tennessee’s past while offering expansive grounds for a relaxed afternoon. Museums such as the Frist Art Museum and the Lane Motor Museum add variety, making it easy to tailor your visit based on shared interests.
Stay at a Romantic Nashville B&B
Choosing a Nashville B&B as your home base will be one of the best parts of your getaway! A restored historic mansion offers a setting that complements the city’s character while providing modern comfort. Guests can take advantage of curated experiences such as guided tours, horseback riding excursions, and interactive workshops, all designed to simplify planning and enhance your stay.
After a full day exploring Nashville’s things to do, returning to a well-appointed guest room allows you to unwind in a setting that feels both private and refined. Thoughtful design, comfortable accommodations, and a prepared breakfast each morning create a consistent and elevated experience. A trip built around the best things to do in Nashville becomes more cohesive when your lodging supports the same level of detail and care. For couples seeking a unique getaway in the South, this approach ensures your time in Nashville is both structured and memorable.